Khan-Peterson Las Vegas rematch called off after failed drugs test

(BBC) Amir Khan’s rematch with Lamont Peterson has been called off after the American champion’s failed drugs test.

Lamar Peterson, left and Amir Khan will no longer face each other in the much-anticipated rematch after Khan called off the bout following a positive drug test by Peterson.

Both fighters agreed to random testing before their 19 May light-welterweight bout in Las Vegas, and Peterson tested positive for synthetic testosterone. Peterson subsequently gave a negative test and his camp were appealing to the Nevada Athletics Commission.

Goldenboy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer confirmed earlier this week that Peterson tested positive from the A and B samples taken in March, but gave a negative test in follow-up samples from 13 April.

A statement from Peterson’s camp said they would submit medical findings to the commission “reflecting the facts in support of Lamont’s good faith intentions” in the hope of securing the licence needed to fight in Nevada. The fighters were due to meet for a second time on 19 May after the World Boxing Association ordered a rematch following Peterson’s controversial victory over Khan on 10 December.

The WBA claimed there were “multiple irregularities” in the first fight after Khan appealed against the points defeat, which took place in Peterson’s home town of Washington DC.